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Fanuc demonstrates cobots at Amazon’s re:MARS Conference

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Fanuc America, supplier of robotics, CNCs and Robomachines, has expanded its line of collaborative robots to include six models, on display at  re:MARS Tech Showcase 4-7 June 4-7 in Las Vegas.

The series of power and force limiting collaborative robots can handle 4-35 kg payloads and a 550-1813 mm reach.

The cobots are equipped with Fanuc’s iHMI touch screen user interface. The Hand Guidance feature allows operators to teach a collaborative robot by leading it through paths, and/or use it to lift heavy objects manually.

[Read more…] about Fanuc demonstrates cobots at Amazon’s re:MARS Conference

Universal Robots looks for opportunities created by Malaysia’s Industry4WRD program

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Universal Robots, a collaborative robots maker, has identified Malaysia as a key growth market in line with the country’s increased focus on automation and robotics, as outlined in its national policy on Industry 4.0, called “Industry4WRD”, to transform its manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing sector, comprising 98.5 percent of Malaysian SMEs, serves as a major contributor to the country’s economy. In 2018, the sector contributed 22.4 percent of GDP, roughly RM 325 billion.

Sakari Kuikka, general manager, Southeast Asia and Oceania at UR, says: “Malaysia deployed just 45 units of industrial robots per 10,000 employees in 2017, almost 50 percent below the global average of 85 units. [Read more…] about Universal Robots looks for opportunities created by Malaysia’s Industry4WRD program

Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

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SMC Corporation of America, a pneumatics and industrial automation components manufacturer, has joined Universal Robots’ UR+ program, launching the new UR+ certified MHM Series Magnetic Gripper.

The gripper is bundled into an easy plug and play kit that integrates to a unique solution for picking, transferring, and placing ferromagnetic workpieces of uneven surfaces, porous, or that are susceptible to damage when traditional methods of vacuum systems or mechanical grippers are not viable.

A working demonstration of the MHM Magnetic Gripper kit installed on the arm of a Universal Robot was demonstrated at SMC’s booth and UR’s booth at the recent Automate Show in Chicago.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

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Universal Robots has launched a global network of training centers. The collaborative robot-maker says it aims to lower automation barriers with robotic programming classes for beginners and advanced users.

The initiative is part of the company’s “mission to make the advantages of collaborative robotics widely accessible”, says Universal Robots.

The worldwide network of Authorised Training Centers that expands on the company’s popular Universal Robots Academy online training.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

Collaborative robot maker Kassow Robots to make its Hannover Messe premiere

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Kassow Robots will make its first appearance at the Hannover Messe event this year.

The technology trade fair takes place from 1 to 5 April 2019. It will be the first chance to visit the company’s own booth since Kassow’s market launch at Automatica in Munich last summer.

The Danish start-up will be attending Hannover Fair together with Project Automation & Engineering. The partner from Kranenburg, Germany, will showcase an automated banding application.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robot maker Kassow Robots to make its Hannover Messe premiere

Universal Robots to show its latest cobot solutions at Automate 2019

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At Automate 2019 in April, Universal Robots will showcase new cobot-powered solutions for machine tending, packaging, assembly, and processing.

The company says new applications debunk myths on what cobots can handle while also addressing industries experiencing hiring issues.

When U.S. manufacturers were asked to describe their primary business challenge, it wasn’t the increase of raw materials cost, trade uncertainties, or rising health insurance expenses that topped their lists.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots to show its latest cobot solutions at Automate 2019

Universal Robots develops automated pizza-making system

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Universal Robots has been chosen by the French start-up EKIM to design its pizzaiolo robot: PAZZI. Created using Universal Robots’ UR10 and UR5 arms, PAZZI is capable of preparing up to 10 pizzas simultaneously from nearly five million recipe combinations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

EKIM aims to use this project to offer an optimal and high-quality catering solution in high-traffic areas (railway stations, airports, main boulevards, shopping centres, department stores or campuses).

PAZZI, marketed by EKIM, is a turnkey “tech good food” concept, providing quality pizza based on healthy and natural ingredients, 100% autonomous, from order to delivery.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots develops automated pizza-making system

SwRI launches collaborative robotics laboratory in Texas

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Southwest Research Institute has established a collaborative robotics laboratory to deliver advanced automation technology to the heavy industry and manufacturing sectors. (See video below.)

The facility features collaborative robots, or “cobots”, in a flexible lab where engineers can develop agile, mobile, automated capabilities.

Lab facilities include meeting rooms for industry events and training.  [Read more…] about SwRI launches collaborative robotics laboratory in Texas

Rethink Robotics signs up new distribution partners

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Rethink Robotics has signed deals with seven new distribution partners throughout the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific to increase the availability of its smart, collaborative robots.

The company’s Sawyer robot is a smart automation solution to address challenges such as labour shortages and improve efficiencies across industries such as plastics, packaging and co-packing, metal fabrication, electronics and the automotive supply chain.

The new partners will join Rethink’s existing suite of partners to help meet the growing demand for Sawyer in North America, Europe and Asia. Rethink Robotics’ cobot solution includes industry-leading Intera software and the Clicksmart gripper technology, which make it easy to train and deploy.

[Read more…] about Rethink Robotics signs up new distribution partners

Industry robotics: How will it affect you?

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Sponsored

Robots have evolved, creating an era where machines are used on the factory floors, in manufacturing warehouses and in logistics.

The robotics industry is booming with global research predicting that the industrial robotics industry is set to surpass $80 billion by 2024.

But does this mean the world is ready to replace man with machine? A daunting concept for some, for others an opportunity to underpin the capabilities of collaborating on a whole new level.  [Read more…] about Industry robotics: How will it affect you?